Intel celebrates Atom CPU anniversary with 2GHz model introduction

In honor of the first anniversary of the Atom processor, Intel has announced a version that will be clocked at 2GHz. Next year, the current generation of chips will be replaced by the Moorestown platform, which consists of only two chips.

Anand Chandrasekher, the head of Intel’s ultramobility group, announced the Z550 at the Intel Developer Forum in Beijing. The 2GHz CPU, intended for mids, replaces the Z540 ticking at 1.66GHz. The new top model is still produced at 45nm and would have a TDP of less than 3W. The Z550 also features hyperthreading. Intel showed at the IDF some designs of mids that the newcomer would be suitable for.

The top model Z550 will be joined by the Z515, also introduced during the IDF, which will have a clock speed of 1.2 GHz. To save energy, this processor is equipped with Intel’s Burst Performance Technology, so that the chip only runs at top speed when needed.

The current series of Atom processors should be succeeded by the Moorestown platform in 2010. Moorestown systems only need two chips: a soc with a gpu and a video and memory controller is combined with the Langwell, an I/O hub. A Moorestown system in idle mode would consume ninety percent less energy compared to the current Atom platform. This gain is made possible, among other things, by the use of 45nm Hi-K technology and improved power management.